Fantasy Football 2014: 5 Reasons Adrian Peterson Is Still Worthy of the No. 1 Pick

July 22, 2014 10:13 am EDT by

2014 Fantasy Football: 5 Reasons Adrian Peterson Is Still No. 1

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings, Fantasy Football
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

When 1,266 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns looks like a disappointing season, you know you're good. That's what Adrian Peterson did in 2013, and he finished fifth in the league in rushing yards and was a top-10 fantasy running back once again.

Peterson's time as a top running back is winding down, but here are five reasons he's worth considering with the No. 1 overall pick in fantasy drafts this year.

5. The Vikings' Defense

Minnesota Vikings
Hannah Foslien-Getty Images

5. The Vikings' Defense

Minnesota Vikings
Hannah Foslien-Getty Images

The Vikings' defense has nowhere to go but up after last season, and new head coach Mike Zimmer along with some offseason additions virtually guarantees improvement this year. A defense that can simply get off the field more frequently on third down will open the door for Peterson to see more carries.

4. Better Quarterback Play

Matt Cassel, Minnesota Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

4. Better Quarterback Play

Matt Cassel, Minnesota Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings still don't have an elite quarterback, at least until rookie Teddy Bridgewater has an opportunity to show he can be one. But the removal of Christian Ponder from the mix to be Minnesota's starting quarterback is great news for Peterson.

3. Consistency

Adrian Peterson, Fantasy Football 2014
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

3. Consistency

Adrian Peterson, Fantasy Football 2014
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Peterson has double-digit rushing touchdowns in all seven seasons of his career, and the only season he has not rushed for at least 1,200 yards was 2011, when he played a career-low 12 games.

2. A Bigger Role In The Passing Game

Adrian Peterson, Fantasy Football
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

2. A Bigger Role In The Passing Game

Adrian Peterson, Fantasy Football
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive coordinator Norv Turner has said he intends to get Peterson more involved as a pass receiver this year, which would help him take less punishment and allow him to use his skills in space.

1. Norv Turner

Norv Turner, Minnesota Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn- USA TODAY Sports

1. Norv Turner

Norv Turner, Minnesota Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn- USA TODAY Sports

Turner deserves criticism for his dismal record as a head coach, but his track record as an offensive mind remains notable. Turner's history with running backs, ranging from elite (Emmitt Smith, LaDainian Tomlinson) to not quite at that level (LaMont Jordan, Stephen Davis), bodes well for Peterson maintaining a high level of production at age 29.


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